5 Best Alternatives to Happy Tails Travel for Pet Shipping (2026)

The five best alternatives to Happy Tails Travel for pet shipping are CitizenShipper, Starwood Pet Travel, Royal Paws, Airpets International, and Animals Away. Each offers different strengths: CitizenShipper is a peer-to-peer marketplace where independent drivers bid on your pet shipment, often resulting in lower prices. Starwood and Airpets specialize in international air transport. Royal Paws offers premium private ground transport. Animals Away has shipped over 50,000 pets since the 1990s with an A+ BBB rating.

Whether you need ground transportation, air shipping, or international pet relocation, one of these five companies is likely a better fit than Happy Tails Travel depending on your budget, schedule, and destination.

Air Travel Versus Ground Transportation

Pros of Ground Transportation

• Usually less expensive than air transportation.
• Doesn’t require as much advance preparation.
• It’s typically safer than flying – although both are extremely safe.
• The animal will be able to take potty and exercise breaks every four hours.
• Any breed of dog can be shipped.
• Door-to-door service is usually offered.

Cons of Ground Transportation

• Takes longer to travel long distances.
• It’s not an option for international shipping.
• Can be hard to find overnight lodging for long-distance trips.

Pros of Air Transportation

• Faster to transport a pet cross-country; you’ll be reunited with your pet sooner.
• Smaller animals can travel in the cabin with an Air Nanny.
• Many air transport companies arrange travel logistics for you.
• Select air transportation services provide a “comfort stop” so the animal can eat and get exercise.

Cons of Air Transportation

• There’s less selection because only a few airlines ship animals.
• While it’s faster, the pet usually has to stay in the carrier throughout the boarding and disembarking process, which can be several hours.
• Larger animals must travel in the cargo hold.
• Certain locations have temperature restrictions on shipping dogs by air during the summer or winter.
• Because of breathing issues, airlines have restrictions on transporting snub-nosed breeds like boxers, Boston terriers, bulldogs, and pugs.

Want to see real prices for your route? Post a free listing on CitizenShipper and receive quotes from multiple drivers within minutes. No commitment required — you only pay when you book.
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How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of shipping dogs by air or ground transport varies greatly by distance. Local shipments are typically just a few hundred dollars, while long-distance travel can become very pricey, well over $1,000. Long-distance air travel may seem less expensive, but prepping the animal for travel and associated costs often makes it pricier than even luxury ground transportation.

Depending on what service you use to transport your pet, there are several additional costs to consider. The travel crate is an important expense when you’re shipping via airplane, as you’ll need to be sure the carrier meets airlines’ standards. They are very precise and the airlines won’t allow your pet onboard if it’s in the wrong carrier. The larger the dog, the more the crate will cost you.

Most ground transportation services provide their own crates, which is significant savings. You’ll also need to pay for vet visits for general vaccinations, blood tests, and health checks. Try to plan ahead and schedule multiple procedures in one visit to bring down costs.

That’s why innovative companies like CitizenShipper can save you money. On the company’s top-rated marketplace, drivers actually bid for your business. This drives down costs and allows you to pick from transporters that fit your budget. Post a free listing now and get bids within minutes!

 

1. CitizenShipper

Overview

What sets CitizenShipper apart from other businesses on the list is that it’s an online marketplace connecting people that have transport needs with drivers headed to their destination. With over 12 years of experience, it’s become the gold standard in terms of affordability and flexibility when you have a shipping need. The pet transporters on the site aren’t employees of the company; instead, they’re independent contractors that work with you on pricing, scheduling, and any other special requirements.

When you create a listing on CitizenShipper, transport professionals bid on the job in a reverse auction format. This drives down costs so you can choose a transporter that meets your budget and who you trust. The internal communication system allows you to speak directly with drivers so you can explain any special needs of your animal and get a feel for its personality. Customized profiles include reviews from previous customers, badges that indicate achievements as a CitizenShipper driver, and photos of themselves and their vehicle.

CitizenShipper is the only pet transportation service that offers a pet transportation protection plan for every shipment. Additionally, it provides customers with a booking assurance guarantee. That means you’ll benefit from a dedicated team that answers any questions you have, have refund protection against fraud, get help if a driver isn’t communicative or is late on a delivery, and receives one-on-one VIP rebooking assistance in the case of driver cancellation.

It’s free and very easy to post a listing for your pet shipping job on CitizenShipper. Simply click over to the company’s website and list a new shipment to find out how much you can save!

2. Starwood Pet Travel

Overview

Starwood Pet Travel is a dog shipping service boasting over 50 years of combined experience transporting pets internationally. As a full-service transportation company, they’ll handle every aspect of the move. The company transports pets to over 150 countries, but doesn’t offer domestic relocation.

First, you provide all the required documentation, including veterinary records, to the Starwood team. Then they book your pet’s flight, work with your vet to ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, and even help you with advice on purchasing a pet carrier. 

3. Royal Paws

Overview

Georgia-based Royal Paws sets itself apart from the competition by offering exclusive, private ground transportation. The company uses two drivers to transport animals in specially-designed SUVs and minivans. Because your pet is traveling privately, you don’t need to worry about health certifications or vaccines. Royal Paws is certified by USDA APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) but isn’t a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).

Of course, this level of exclusivity comes at a price. If you need to transport your pet long-distance, Royal Paws can be cost-prohibitive. In order to get an estimate for your shipping job, you’ll have to request a quote and have a consultation. The company’s primary focus is shipping dogs, though they’re open to shipping other animals. Royal Paws isn’t a good choice for your animal shipping needs if you’re looking for a budget option.

4. Airpets International

Overview

Airpets International is another service with five decades of experience shipping dogs by air. Founded in the UK, it’s now expanded to offer international service. It’s the most direct competitor to Happy Tails Travel on our list because the business’s main focus is international air travel using an air nanny. Like Happy Tails, much of the logistics around transporting your pet will be handled by representatives of Airpets International. Airpets is an IPATA member and accredited by the USDA.

Airpets International is one of the priciest pet shipping companies. Domestic moves start at $1,000, while international moves can cost upwards of $2000. Like Happy Tails Travel, ground transportation is available but is not the best-known service for which the company is.

5. Animals Away

Overview

Animals Away have shipped and provided logistics services for over 50,000 pets since it was established in the ‘90s. As one of the older transportation services, it has an excellent track record, an A+ rating from the BBB, a membership with IPATA, and a USDA Handler’s License.

Animals Away is another company that’s mostly focused on air travel – though it does provide ground transportation in the Northeast region. If you have a pet that can’t be shipped by plane and you live in any other part of the country, it’s not the best choice.

Ready to get quotes? CitizenShipper lets you list your pet shipment for free. Independent, background-checked drivers bid on your job — so you compare prices and choose the driver you trust most.
Get Free Pet Transport Quotes →

What Is Happy Tails Travel?

Happy Tails Travel is a professional pet relocation company that helps families move pets domestically and internationally. The company coordinates the logistics involved in pet travel, including airline reservations, travel documentation, health certificate guidance, crate requirements, and destination-specific import regulations. Depending on the destination and service selected, Happy Tails Travel can manage much of the planning required for complex relocations.

The company primarily specializes in air travel arrangements, making it a popular choice for international moves or domestic relocations where flying is the most practical option. Because every pet’s journey is different, pricing varies based on factors such as destination, airline availability, pet size, and any veterinary or import requirements.

While full-service relocation companies handle much of the paperwork and planning, some pet owners prefer to compare alternative transportation options. For domestic moves, professional ground transport can offer door-to-door service, fewer travel transitions, and more flexibility for pets that may not be good candidates for air travel.

Happy Tails Travel Reviews: What Customers Say

Customer reviews of Happy Tails Travel generally highlight the company’s experience managing complicated pet relocations, particularly international moves that require extensive documentation and coordination. Many pet owners appreciate having assistance with airline bookings, import requirements, customs paperwork, and communication throughout the relocation process.

Positive reviews frequently mention responsive customer service, knowledgeable relocation specialists, and successful deliveries despite the complexity of international travel. Customers relocating overseas often note that having a dedicated coordinator reduces the stress of navigating country-specific pet import regulations.

As with most pet transportation providers, some reviews mention delays or scheduling changes resulting from airline availability, weather, government requirements, or changing travel regulations. Because international pet shipping involves multiple third parties—including airlines, veterinarians, and customs officials—timelines can occasionally shift beyond a provider’s direct control.

When evaluating any pet transportation company, it’s a good idea to compare recent customer reviews, verify what’s included in the quoted price, understand cancellation policies, and request a detailed breakdown of services before booking.

Summary of the 5 Top Alternatives to Happy Tails Travel

Choosing the right pet shipping service is crucial for your pet’s comfort and your peace of mind. Happy Tails Travel is a reputable company with decades of experience, but it may not suit everyone’s needs or schedules. In this comparison table, you’ll find the top five alternatives to Happy Tails Travel, each with their own unique features, pros, and cons. CitizenShipper stands out as the best alternative, providing an affordable and flexible marketplace to find the right transport provider for your pet. Compare these options and make an informed decision to ensure a smooth and safe journey for your beloved companion.

Company	Features	Pros	Cons
CitizenShipper	Online pet shipping marketplace, independent transport providers, pet protection plan	Affordable and flexible, multiple quotes, direct communication with drivers, Booking Assurance Guarantee, detailed driver profiles	Domestic services only, not a transport company
Animals Away	Air travel, ground transportation in the Northeast	Over 50,000 pets shipped, A+ BBB rating, IPATA member, USDA Handler’s License	Limited ground transportation service area
Airpets International	International air travel, air nanny	50 years of experience, IPATA member, USDA accreditation, handles logistics	Expensive, focuses mainly on air travel
Starwood Animal Transport	Air and ground transport, international and domestic services	50 years of experience, specially-designed RVs for ground transport, boarding services through local kennels	Not BBB-accredited, additional charges for door-to-door service
Royal Paws	Private, exclusive ground transportation	Private pet transportation, USDA APHIS certified, customized service	Expensive, not a member of IPATA, limited to dogs